Valentine’s tips for the guys

R and I got talking Valentine’s last night which made me realize the “holiday” is but two weeks away. So, guys, I wanted to offer you a couple of tips. (The general theme here, as you’ll see, is to plan, plan, plan.)

Start thinking flowers: If posies are part of your plan, locate a local florist (remember, we should all have one :) ) and talk with the staff in advance about what you’re looking for. Next weekend we’ll have a story on ways to personalize flowers — so you can show you put in more thought than ordering a dozen reds. But, in the meantime, start thinking about a place that does good work. Better yet, if it’s near her home/office, you’re likely to not get socked with delivery fees.

Dinner reservations: Since V-Day is on a Saturday, the restaurants are going to be crowded. Make reservations this week — at the latest — and remember places often institute a prix fix menu on nights like this. If your date is a particular eater, make sure you check what’s on the menu. Also, if cost is an issue, ask about that, too. These multi-course meals are not cheap.

Cards: Don’t be that guy standing in front of a half-full card rack in Target on Friday night. Your options will be limited and you’ll end up with a card with a rhyming verse. Or, worse yet, one that comes in a box of 25 — like you gave out in elementary school.

8 Responses

I know I might be berated by the other women on this site, but I think it’s important to remember to celebrate our guys too. Maybe this became a more “woman” themed holiday because of the frilly stuff that goes along with it, but my hubby and I were making plans the other day too and he jokingly goes, “what are you getting me? How come it can’t be a fun surprise for men too?”. And as much as part of me wanted to slap him for the thought of even making it a day NOT about ME, ha…there was some truth to his statement and I secretly felt bad. So guys – any suggestions on fun ‘male’ valentine’s Day gifts?? And no.. I don’t want to hear “lots of sex” as an answer!

Coonery – you shouldn’t be berated at all & shame on those who do!! I know that when I am in a relationship during Valentine’s Day I make sure to think of him too!! I always do something that I know he would like & make a big deal. It’s supposed to be about love & why can’t the men in our lives feel that special feeling too?

Flowers: Played out. Plus, you know, once you cut a living thing it’s going to die. That’s a great gift, “hey honey, I love you, but only for the next week.” Try a live plant instead.

Dinner Reservations: That’s all fine and good but what happened to a romantic dinner at home? We’re in a recession, remember. Plus, you don’t have to worry about who’s driving after opening that second bottle of wine.

Cards: Listen people, it’s simple. Learn how to make your own paper, and get a nice ink kit. Really, it’s not that hard.

Those are all huge advantages to cooking at home. Another good one: you can both make dinner — one doing the entree and the other an appetizer or dessert, for example — and a few well-placed moments of affection in the kitchen can set the mood for after dinner. Or maybe you’ll never make it out of the kitchen with that “affection”, in which case, if you have roommates, I highly suggest making sure you thoroughly clean all surfaces. Not that this has ever happened, nobody I live with should read too much into this.